May 2011

This month in VG
We feature the 25 greatest guitar songs of the ’70s, as chosen via a poll at VintageGuitar.com. We also review the greatest guitar tracks of Gary Moore, along with previously unpublished interview with the Irish guitar hero who passed away February 6. We also tell you about an amazing exhibit of stringed instruments at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is highlighted by three particular archtop guitars. George Gruhn and Walter Carter detail how the Epiphone Soloist Emperor was created in a time when its builder was in a heated battle with Gibson to determine who made the biggest and best archtop. Then, Michael Wright talks about the unconsciously-retro Espana EL-31, Willie Moseley extolls the virtues of the Harmony H44 Stratotone, and Dave Hunter gives us an up-close and personal look at a 1982 Dumble OD Special played by Robben Ford.

We also remember famed lap-steel master Buddy Charleton, and then talk about new music with Kevin Eubanks, Gurf Morlix, Claude Hay, Frank Tanton, andRobbie Calvo. Wolf Marshall breaks down three of the coolest licks ever recorded by Joe Perry, and we tell you who jammed with who at this year’s Deke’s Guitar Geek Festival.

If it’s time to upgrade your gear, take a look at our reviews of the Reverend Rick Vito, the Bluesman Vintage 3-Speed Coupe, K&K Meridian Pro, the Naylor Heads-Up Strap, MTD Kingston CRB/Saratoga basses, and the TC Electronic BH500.

All this and much more are in the May issue of VG.
FEATURES

The 25 Most Valuable Guitars
There are few collectibles in modern pop culture that are as cool as guitars. They’re functional, tactile art that inspires players and music fans alike. But beyond fond memories, for some, guitars serve as investments. Here’s a look at 25 guitars that, thanks to certain players, songs, and the laws of supply and demand, have become exceedingly valuable.

Pretty in Pink Jay Jay French Aligns Industry Giants for a Cause
In 1999, guitarist Jay Jay French was forced to examine his priorities when his six-year-old daughter, Samantha, was diagnosed with uveitis. And he came up with a very cool way to raise awareness of the condition. By Ward Meeker

Lee DicksonThree Decades with Clapton
For more than 30 years, he served as guitar tech and assistant to Eric Clapton. Directly responsible for the care and feeding of some of the most iconic guitars in rock music, his wards bore names like Blackie and Brownie, the Crashocaster, and others! By Will Kelly

Three Larsons
At first glance, these guitars appear to be a different sizes of the same model. However, when it comes to guitars built by the Larson Brothers, nothing is that simple. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter

The Veillette-Citron Shark
It’s not often a guitar is said to have been inspired by a TV show, but that is the case with this one… in a pretty roundabout way! By Michael Wright

One Fudged 335Vinnie Martell’s ‘63 Gibson
When it entered the market in the spring of ’58, Gibson’s ES-335TD was designed to get “bite” while having a lighter weight. This one is special because Vinnie Martell used it to record Vanilla Fudge’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and other tracks. By Willie G. Moseley

The Orange GRO100
Orange Amplifiers were born soon after Marshall and made a name for themselves with a hip image that was impossible to miss. The Graphic Overdrive, or GRO100, is one of the company’s classics. By Dave Hunter

Related

Vintage Guitar magazine has revealed winners of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which includes inductees to the magazine’s Hall of Fame. We proudly present the 2017 winners in the April 2018 issue. Order the print copy before it’s sold out!!

“The Guide is the bottom line when comes to staying up to date with the ever-changing market. It’s the number one tool when researching an instrument’s realistic retail value.” Review by S.J. “Frog” Forgey, Elderly Instruments›› Learn more

All-Stars, Firsts, & Legends! Start every day with a glimpse at a classic. The 2018 VG Desktop Calendar features 12 glorious vintage instruments. ›› Learn more

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